NANA SAYS MARCH BREAK IS QUICKLY APPROACHING

With March break quickly approaching, parents have planned or are making last minute plans for their children. A premium time to travel, often necessary as everyone can be off. Vacation days at work are focused around children's breaks from school. Perhaps not a bad thing as many family vacations occur. For a family to be together and enjoying a beach or ski hill makes memories. But all the togetherness can bring stress along with the fun. So planning something everyone will enjoy can be very tricky. Little children are easier to please. Teenagers not so easy. Taking a break from all the electronics in a distant place can be difficult for many. Too many people have been burnt by their roaming charges and heightened cost for minutes used. Getting a prepaid phone for the trip may be the best solution. A gadget with wi-fi potential is best. Many places such as hotels do have that capability offering it as a bonus for the lap top computers. However, disconnecting from the constant texting and checking of a smart phone can teach there is a life to be had. Staycation have many places offering March Break deals. I remember trips to the Art Gallery of Ontario when my children were little and the activities offered were fun. Make sure the staycation does not become a clean the house vacation. Putting in fun times during the day such as breakfast or lunch out breaks up the day. Patience is so necessary- for airports, train stations and highways. With parents and children travelling, it will be busy. The old ideas of having easy to travel activities on hand for all ages is good. For example, I keep a little pocket Sudoku book for travel. Fits nicely in a jacket pocket! So items that are accessible are best. A little waist purse for all with just enough things will work for a plane. No fussing in a carry on bag that must be put up in storage on the plane. Of course the mother/wife needs a bigger bag to keep all those little extras like tissue, gum, pens/pencils, tickets etc. I know I am always the keeper of stuff! Then make sure there is someone to watch your house or property. Like a willing grandparent! I will be spending my week keeping an eye on things for my travelling children. Makes me wish I was going somewhere too. Memories of past trips south! Glad I have lots of pictures. Oh yea lots of pictures! Nothing like group shots everywhere! Catch everyone in fun moments! Enjoy!